Beverage filtering system

ABSTRACT

A beverage filtering device wherein flavoring solids, such as coffee, tea, or herbs, are infused or brewed with fluids and then a finished beverage is filtered from the flavoring solids using a system of nested cups. The nested cups are pressed together during filtration to create a compact form that can then also serve as a beverage cup or beverage serving device.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/660,851 filed Mar. 4, 2010 and titled “BEVERAGEFILTERING SYSTEM,” which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/157,373, filed Mar. 4, 2009, each of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Thisapplication also claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.29/586,912, filed Dec. 7, 2016 and titled “CANISTER,” which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the preparation of beverages, suchas coffees and teas, by brewing or infusing. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to brewing and infusing devices which includea filter for removing solid material from which the beverage is preparedfrom the beverage so obtained.

BACKGROUND

Coffee and other flavored beverages have been enjoyed by people sincethe ninth century A.D., and many brewing and infusing methods have beentried over the years. Infusions and brews are primarily achieved byadding hot water to flavoring solids, such as tea leaves, herbs orcoffee beans. The beverage achieves a desired state by allowing asufficient time for the optimum flavors to be extracted from the solidsinto the water, and then ceasing the process by removing the water fromthe solids. Unregulated exposure to the flavoring solids mayover-extract the solids, releasing strong or unpleasant tastes likebitterness in coffee.

In most current brewing methods, ceasing the infusion process requiresthe removal of a filtering device from the beverage. This is ofteninconvenient and messy for the user. Additionally, most infusing methodsrequire a preparation device to be separate from the drinking device.Further, most of the products on the market do not allow properinsulation of the beverage once it has been prepared.

Coffee is extracted by grinding beans into smaller pieces, and brewing.For a given amount of coffee, the surface area of a finer grind isexponentially greater than that of a coarser grind. As a result, finergrinds can brew much more quickly. However, the coffee preparationdevice must have a filter that can keep the smaller particles of finergrinds from passing into the beverage.

Lipids are small oils found in coffee that give it a buttery texture,and this is a desired attribute in gourmet coffees. Lipid molecules aregenerally found to be around 0.4 mm in diameter. There is a need for aninvention that allows beverages to be infused in a convenient devicethat both prepares a beverage infusion and also serves as a drinking cupfor the resulting beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, the present invention is generally directed to a device forfiltering beverages. It is more specifically intended for separatingparticulate matter used to make a beverage from the drinkable portion ofthe beverage. It is most specifically related to a system for allowingcoffee to be brewed in one container of the device and then forcing thebrewed coffee through a filter and into a preferably nested secondarycontainer of the same device. The same system will also work for teas,infusions, and cocktails or other beverages in which the user wants tofilter particulate from a beverage after a brewing or steeping period.

The extent of infusion of the fluids will depend on time, size,temperature, and agitation of the solution. The system is optimized forvarious beverages by seeking the best balance of these variables foreach beverage.

The small holes of a filter create friction on fluid moving through it.This results in back pressure of the filter. Filtration is achieved byovercoming the back pressure when exerting force on the inner cup andpressing it into the outer cup(s). When completely inserted, the backpressure prevents further unwanted filtration.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a compactdevice for filtering beverages that includes an outer cup having aninner surface, a tube sized and configured to be nestable within theouter cup, the tube having an outer surface, an interior surface, anupper portion, and a lower portion, the lower portion having a smallerdiameter relative to the upper portion, an exterior surface, and aninside surface, and a lid sized and configured to form a watertight sealwith the interior surface of the upper portion of the tube and to engagewith the outer cup when the tube is nested in the outer cup and the lidis on the tube, wherein the lid includes a sipping hole and a lidsealing gasket configured to engage with the interior surface of theupper portion of the tube. The beverage system also includes a removablefilter portion including an upper surface with a filter and a bottomedge with a retaining member, the removable filter portion sized andconfigured to reside substantially inside the lower portion of the tubeand to be attached to the inside surface of the lower portion, whereinthe filter portion includes a cavity sized to contain about a serving ofbrewing material as well as a removable sealing gasket including a firstsealing member, a second sealing member, and a sleeve coupled to anddisposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing member,wherein the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and thesleeve are integrally formed of a same material and sized and configuredto substantially cover the entirety of the exterior surface of the lowerportion of the tube. The first sealing member engages the inner surfaceof the outer cup when the tube is inserted into the outer cup and thesecond sealing member engages the inner surface of the outer cup whenthe tube is inserted into the outer cup and is sufficiently spatiallyseparated from the first sealing member to assist with maintainingconcentricity of the tube and the outer cup while the tube is within theouter cup.

In another embodiment, a beverage filtering system and drinking vesselincludes an outer cup having an inner surface, and a tube sized andconfigured to be nestable within the outer cup. The tube includes anupper portion, a lower portion having an exterior surface and aninterior surface, the lower portion having a smaller diameter relativeto the upper portion such that a lip is formed between the upper portionand the lower portion. A removable filter portion can be coupled to theinterior surface of the lower portion and includes a filter, a bottomedge including a retaining member, and a cavity sized to contain enoughinfusing material to brew about a serving of a beverage, wherein thelower portion is configured to accommodate the cavity when the removablefilter portion is coupled to the lower portion of the tube. A removablesealing gasket includes a first sealing member, a second sealing member,and a sleeve, the sleeve being coupled to and disposed between the firstsealing member and the second sealing member, wherein the first sealingmember, the second sealing member, and the sleeve are a unitary body andare sized and configured to substantially cover the exterior surface ofthe lower portion, wherein the first sealing member and the secondsealing member are sized and configured to engage the inner surface ofthe outer cup when the tube is in the outer cup and are spacedsufficiently apart such that the first sealing member and the secondsealing member assist with maintaining concentricity of the tube and theouter cup when the tube is in the outer cup. The lip serves to maintaina location of the sealing gasket on the exterior surface of the lowerportion when the tube is inserted into the outer cup and the retainingmember serves to maintain the location of the sealing gasket on theexterior surface of the lower portion when the tube is removed from theouter cup. A lid includes a sipping hole, the lid being sized andconfigured to sealably couple to the tube and to engage with the outercup when the tube is nested in the outer cup and the lid is coupled tothe tube.

In another embodiment, a beverage filtering system includes a cup withan inner surface and a tube having an upper portion and a recessed lowerportion, wherein the tube is configured to nest within the cup, whereina lip is formed between the upper portion and the recessed lowerportion, and wherein the recessed lower portion includes an interiorsurface and an exterior surface. A filter couples to the tube andincludes a cavity, an outside surface, an upper surface including aplurality of perforations, and a bottom rim, wherein the outside surfaceis configured to engage with the interior surface of the recessed lowerportion such that the filter can be removably coupled to the tube andwherein the bottom rim includes an outwardly projecting edge. Aremovable sealing gasket can be disposed on the recessed lower portionof the tube and includes a first sealing member, a second sealingmember, and a sleeve, the sleeve being coupled to and disposed betweenthe first sealing member and the second sealing member, wherein thefirst sealing member, the second sealing member, and the sleeve are aunitary body and are sized and configured to substantially cover theexterior surface of the recessed lower portion, wherein the firstsealing member and the second sealing member are sized and configured toengage the inner surface of the cup when the tube is nested in the cupand are spaced sufficiently apart such that the first sealing member andthe second sealing member assist with maintaining concentricity of thetube and the cup when the tube is nested in the cup, and wherein the lipand the edge serve to maintain a location of the sealing gasket on theexterior surface of the recessed lower portion when the tube is insertedinto and removed from the cup and the filter is coupled to the tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of a first embodiment ofthe beverage filtering system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inner cup of the system;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the inner cup showing additionalelements;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the beveragefiltering system;

FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate the manner in which the beveragefiltering system may be used;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inner and outer cups of thebeverage filtering system;

FIG. 7A is an elevational view of a lid therefor;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view thereof;

FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate a second embodiment of the beveragefiltering system;

FIGS. 8E through 8H are cross-sectional views of inner cups for thesecond embodiment of the system;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the inner cup shown in FIG. 8E;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the inner cup shown in FIG. 8F;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the inner cup shown in FIG. 8G;

FIGS. 12A through 12E illustrate a third embodiment of the beveragefiltering system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the beverage filteringsystem;

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the beverage filtering system;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the beveragefiltering system;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the components of the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the inner cup of the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative inner cup for the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the beveragefiltering system of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment thereof;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the components of a ninth embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the ninth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a beverage filtering systemaccording to another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of some of the components of theembodiment shown in FIG. 24.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Turning now to these figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thecomponents of a first embodiment of the beverage filtering system of thepresent invention. The system 10 includes an outer cup 20, preferablymade of a rigid material, such as glass, steel, or plastic. The outercup 20, in addition, preferably has a cylindrical form for reasons whichwill become clear in the discussion to follow. However, other shapeswith vertical walls could be utilized. In this first embodiment, theouter cup 20 is of integral, or one-piece, construction.

The outer cup 20 may also have an outer sleeve 22, made of a polymericfoam, textile material, wood, or other insulating material, provided notonly to protect the hand of the person using the system 10, but also toretard the cooling of its contents. The sleeve 22 may be solid orperforated, and may alternatively be of a metal or other polymermaterial. The outer cup 20 may alternatively be a double-walled vessel,as will be shown below, with or without a vacuum being provided betweenits inner and outer surfaces, thereby creating an insulated outer cup20.

The inner cup 30 of the system 10 is also preferably made of a rigidmaterial, such as glass, steel, or plastic, and preferably has acylindrical form of a slightly smaller diameter than that of the outercup 20, so that the inner cup 30 may fit within the outer cup 20.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of inner cup 30 taken from a somewhatdifferent direction. Inner cup 30 has a rolled rim 32 to provide for thecomfort of one drinking from it. Below is a portion 34 of reduceddiameter, and, on the very bottom of inner cup 30, is a filter 36 formedby perforations 38 in the bottom of the inner cup 30. Perforations 38are of a diameter to enable desired flavoring oils, such as lipids frombrewed coffee, to pass through filter 36 without permitting largeparticulates of bulky flavoring solids, such as particles of groundcoffee, to do so. Perforations 38 preferably have a diameter in therange from 0.2 to 0.6 mm. More preferably, perforations 38 have adiameter of approximately 0.4 mm. Perforations 38 may be provided in thehexagonally ordered array shown in FIG. 2. In such an array, where thecenter-to-center distance separating each perforation 38 from itsclosest neighbors is 1.5 mm, there would be about 300 perforations 38per square inch.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of inner cup 30 from the same viewpoint asFIG. 2 and showing several additional elements. At the top of the innercup 30, beneath and abutting against the rolled rim 32, is an O-ring 40,whose purpose will be described below. At the bottom of the inner cup30, disposed on the portion 34 (FIG. 2) of reduced diameter, is anotherO-ring 42. O-rings 40, 42 are preferably made of an elastomericmaterial, such as silicone rubber. O-ring 42 is maintained on portion 34of reduced diameter by retaining ring 44, which may be of stainlesssteel.

O-rings 40, 42, as well as other O-rings to be identified below, may becircular in cross section. Alternatively, they may be made with a thinrectangular or triangular projection extending radially from thecircular cross section, forming “wipers” on the O-rings, therebyallowing for a wider range of tolerances between the inner and outercups. Alternatively, more than one O-ring may be used in a givenlocation, for instance, two or more O-rings, each with or without“wiper” features. O-rings having cross-sectional shapes other thancircular, such as triangular or rectangular, may also be used, each withor without “wipers”.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the beverage filtering system 10 also includesa lid 50. The lid 50 may include a pair of diametrically opposedopenings 52, one of which is visible in FIG. 1. Lid 50 may also be madeof a rigid material, such as glass, steel, or plastic. The openings 52may function as sipping and vent holes where the system 10 is used as acup.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the beverage filtering system 10 and showsthe relationship between the inner cup 30, the outer cup 20, and the lid50.

FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate the manner in which the beveragefiltering system 10 may be used. Referring first to FIG. 5A, a suitableamount of material, such as ground coffee 56, from which a beverage isto be prepared, is added to the outer cup 20 along with an appropriateamount of a liquid, such as hot water 58.

The ground coffee 56 is allowed to brew in the hot water 58 for adesired time to prepare coffee of a strength suited to the tastes of theuser. During this time, the outer cup 20 may be agitated by the user tocreate a swirling motion within the hot water 58 to assist with thebrewing process. After the desired time has elapsed, the inner cup 30with lid 50 on top is inserted into the outer cup 20, as shown in FIG.5B, and gradually pushed down as far as possible, as shown in FIGS. 5Cand 5D. Brewed coffee, having passed through filter 36 at the bottom ofthe inner cup 30 as the inner cup 30 was being pushed into the outer cup20, may then be drunk or poured from the system 10.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inner cup 30 and the outer cup20 when the former has been fully inserted into the latter. As shown inFIG. 6, outer cup 20 may be double-walled and include an insulatinglayer 60, preferably filled with air or another insulating material,within the double wall 62. It may be alternatively evacuated by avacuum, so as to prevent any expansion between the insulating surfaces.As noted above, outer cup 20 and inner cup 30 are preferably cylindricalin form with the inner cup 30 having a slightly smaller diameter thanthat of the outer cup 20, so that it may be fit inside outer cup 20 asshown. O-ring 42, which is disposed about portion 34 of reduced diameterand which has a somewhat larger outer diameter than that of the innercup 30 and the inside surface 64 of the outer cup 20 forms a sealbetween the inner cup 30 and the outer cup 20 when the former isinserted into the latter. As a consequence, liquid in the outer cup 20is forced through filter 36 at the bottom of the inner cup 30 as theinner cup 30 is gradually pushed into the outer cup 20.

The inner cup 30 is able to travel down into the outer cup 20 untilO-ring 40, or other stopper of various materials or shapes, disposedbelow the rolled rim 32, reaches the rim 66 of the outer cup 20, therebypreventing further insertion. The volume between the filter 36 and thebottom of the outer cup 20 confines the materials from which a beverageis being prepared.

FIG. 7A is an elevational view of lid 50 and FIG. 7B is across-sectional view thereof. As may be seen in FIG. 7B, openings 52 arediametrically opposed so that one may function as a sipping hole, whilethe other may function as a vent hole, when the system 10 is used as acup. In such a situation, it may be necessary for the lid 50 to besealed to the inner cup 30 to prevent the contents of the inner cup 30from leaking out under the lid 50 when the system 10 is tipped fordrinking. To this end, the inside of the lid 50 may be provided with anO-ring 68, which would be maintained in position by retaining ring 70,as shown in FIG. 7B, or by a molded-in increase in diameter to retainthe O-ring in place. When the lid 50 so equipped is placed on top of theinner cup 30, O-ring 68 creates a seal between the inside of rolled rim32 and lid 50.

A second embodiment of the beverage filtering system of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A through 8D. Referring first to FIG.8A, system 100 includes an outer cup 120 having a sleeve 122 aspreviously described. Inner cup 130 fits within outer cup 120 as above,both outer cup 120 and inner cup 130 being cylindrical in form. Innercup 130 in this second embodiment flares outwardly at the top to adiameter larger than that of outer cup 120, thereby limiting the amountby which it may be inserted into the outer cup 120, as shown by theflared rim 140 in FIG. 8C. This feature allows space for the coffeegrounds, tea leaves, or other flavoring sub stance.

Inner cup 130 has a sleeve 132 which includes an integrally formedsealing gasket 134, which functions in the same manner as the O-ring 42described above. As before, a filter is in the bottom of the inner cup130, and may be provided in any of several ways.

System 100 also includes a lid 150, which may be molded from a plasticmaterial and which may double as a coaster, as shown in FIG. 8D.

FIGS. 8E through 8H illustrate the variety of ways in which the filtermay be provided in this second embodiment. FIG. 8E is a cross-sectionalview of an inner cup 130 having a filter 136 formed by perforations inthe very bottom of the inner cup. The perforations are as describedabove. An enlarged view of this variant is shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, inner cup 130 has filter 136 in the bottom thereofas shown. Sealing gasket 134 contacts the inner surface of the outer cup120 creating a seal of the type described above. In addition to sealinggasket 134, sleeve 132 is integrally formed with an optional rim stopper138, so called because it limits the amount by which the inner cup 130may be inserted into the outer cup 120 when it abuts against the rim ofthe outer cup 120. Sleeve 132, together with integrally formed sealinggasket 134 and optional rim stopper 138, is preferably formed from anelastomeric material, such as a silicone rubber.

FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view of an inner cup 130 having a filter136 formed by perforations or slits through the sleeve 132 (not labeledin 8F, but similar embodiment shown in FIG. 10) itself. As enlarged viewof this variant is shown in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 10, the inner cup130 is really a tube lacking a bottom. Instead, sleeve 132 provides thebottom and is integrally formed therewith. Perforations or slits areprovided through the bottom. As discussed above, the perforations orslits are preferably of a size to permit flavoring oils, such as lipids,to pass through the filter 136 without permitting large particulates ofbulky flavoring solids, such as particles of ground coffee, to do so.The perforations preferably have a diameter in the range from 0.2 mm to0.6 mm. More preferably, the perforations have a diameter ofapproximately 0.4 mm. The perforations or slits may also be providedwith the relative spacing of 1.5 mm discussed above. In other respects,the sleeve 132 is as described above.

In FIGS. 8G and 8H, the filter 136 is an element separate from the innercup 130 and sleeve 132. Both FIGS. 8G and 8H are cross-sectional viewsof such an inner cup 130. An enlarged view of the variant shown in FIG.8G is shown in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 11, the inner cup 130 is againreally a tube lacking a bottom. Instead, sleeve 132 holds a separatefilter element against the bottom of the tube. The filter 136 may be ofglass, steel, plastic, or silicone rubber, and may have perforations ofthe sizes and relative spacing described above. In other respects, thesleeve 132 is as described above. The difference between the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 8G and 8H is that, in FIG. 8G, the filter 136 is heldagainst the bottom of inner cup 130 by the sleeve 132, while, in FIG.8H, the filter 136 is held within sleeve 132 and is not in directcontact with the inner cup 130.

A third embodiment of the beverage filtering system of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 12A through 12E. Referring first toFIG. 12A, system 200 has an outer cup 220 having a bottom portion 224which is removable. As shown in FIG. 12D, bottom portion 224 may bescrewed off of outer cup 220 to remove used ground coffee 56 or the liketherefrom.

Inner cup 230 has a sleeve 232 integrally formed with a sealing gasket234. Sleeve 232 similar to sleeve 132 (e.g., FIGS. 8A and 10) asdescribed above. Inner cup 230 flares outwardly at the top toaccommodate lid 250, which may be snapped thereon. A plan view of lid250 is shown in FIG. 12E.

When the inner cup 230 is pushed down into outer cup 220 during thepreparation of a beverage, as shown in FIG. 12B, the bottom of the innercup 232 and sealing gasket 234 presses the material, such as groundcoffee 56 against the bottom of the outer cup 220. Subsequently, thebottom portion 224 is removed, and the inner cup 230 is pushed all theway down to its flared top, enabling the sealing gasket 234 to push theused coffee grounds 56 out, preferably into the garbage. Bottom portion224 may be threadingly connected to outer cup 220.

A fourth embodiment of the beverage filtering system of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 13. System 300 has an outer cup 320 andan inner cup 330, which is within the outer cup 320 in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 13. Filter 336, which may be perforated aspreviously described, is at the bottom of the inner cup 330. O-ring 342,which may be of an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, issecured between retaining rings 344, which may be of stainless steel, atthe lower end of the inner cup 330. O-ring 342, as above, seals thespace between the inner cup 330 and the outer cup 320. Inner cup 330 hasan outward flare 338 at its upper end. Below the outward flare 338 is anO-ring 346, which functions as a rim stopper for limiting the amount bywhich the inner cup 330 may be inserted into the outer cup 320.

A fifth embodiment of the beverage filtering system of the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 14. System 400 has an outer cup 420 andan inner cup 430, which is within the outer cup 420 in thecross-sectional view of FIG. 14. Outer cup 420 has a removable bottomportion 424, which may be screwed off the outer cup 420 for the purposepreviously described above, namely, to remove coffee grounds or othermaterials after the brewed liquid has been consumed. Bottom portion 424may be threadingly connected to outer cup 420. Filter 436, which mayhave perforations of the sizes and relative spacing previouslydescribed, is at the bottom of the inner cup 430. O-ring 442, which maybe of an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, is securedbetween restraining rings 444, which may be of stainless steel, at thelower end of the inner cup 430. O-ring 442, as above, seals the spacebetween the inner cup 430 and the outer cup 420. Inner cup 430 has anoutward flare 438 at its upper end. Below the outward flare 438 is anO-ring 446, which functions as a rim stopper for limiting the amount bywhich the inner cup 430 may be inserted into the outer cup 420.

A sixth embodiment of the beverage filtering system of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 15 through 19. Referring first to FIG. 15,system 500 includes an outer cup 520, an inner cup 530, only the rim 532of which is visible in FIG. 15, and a lid 550. Lid 550 has a stopper 552to seal a hole through which a beverage may be consumed.

FIG. 16 shows the separate components of system 500. Referring first tolid 550, stopper 552 is of the variety which is secured at the center ofthe lid 550, and which may be swiveled therearound to alternately coverand uncover hole 554 for drinking.

Inner cup 530 has a rim 532, beneath which is an O-ring 534 which limitsthe amount by which inner cup 530 may be inserted into outer cup 520.O-ring 534 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as siliconerubber.

The lower portion of the inner cup 530 includes an O-ring 536, whichseals the space between the outer cup 520 and the inner cup 530. Asabove, O-ring 536 may be of an elastomeric material, such as siliconerubber. Below O-ring 536, in the lower portion of the wall of the innercup 530, are perforations 538 which all together act as filter 540.Compared to the embodiments previously described, filter 540, located onthe side, rather than on the bottom, of inner cup 530 permits thepassage of fluids more readily than one on the bottom of the inner cup530 because it is not as readily blocked by coffee grounds or othermaterials. Perforations 538 have the sizes and relative spacingpreviously described.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of inner cup 530. On the bottom 542of inner cup 530 are a plurality of downwardly projecting studs 544,which may be of the pyramidal shape illustrated. These pointed studs 544aid in tearing, compressing, or otherwise compressively treating thematerial being infused into a drink. As shown in FIG. 17, studs 544 arein a spaced hexagonal array, and their size, shape, number, and relativespacing may be varied without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of system 550.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative inner cup 560 for system500. As above, inner cup 560 has a rim 562 and O-ring 654, which is madeof an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber. A bottom portion566, including a filter 568 is threadingly connected to the inner cup560 to facilitate cleaning. Filter 568 is formed from a plurality ofperforations 570, as previously described. Bottom portion 566 includesribs 572 to enable bottom portion 566 to be gripped and unscrewed by auser. Above the bottom portion 566 is an O-ring 574, made of anelastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, to seal the space betweenthe inner cup 560 and the outer cup 520, as previously described.

FIG. 20 shows a seventh embodiment of the beverage filtering system ofthe present invention. In its essential details, system 600 is similarto those previously described, except that its components are larger soas to function as a carafe rather than as a drinking cup. Accordingly,outer cup 620 has a handle 622; the inner cup, largely concealed withinouter cup 620, has a spout 632 to facilitate the pouring of a liquidcontained therein. Finally, lid 650 also has a handle 652 as well as acut-out portion 654 to accommodate the spout 632.

FIG. 21 shows an eighth embodiment of the beverage filtering system ofthe present invention. System 700 includes a stand 710 having a base 712where a cup 714 or other drinking container may be disposed to collect abeverage. Above the base 712, a brewing vessel 716 is held by the stand710. The brewing vessel 716, much like inner cup 560 of FIG. 19, has abottom portion 718 housing a filter. The filter has perforations havingthe sizes and relative spacing described above. Handle 720 is used toraise and lower a plunger 724 attached to the lower end of arm 722. Touse system 700, handle 720 is raised, water and a material such asground coffee are placed in the brewing vessel 716, and handle 720 isused to push down plunger 724, thereby forcing a brewed liquid throughthe filter and into the cup 714 below.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the components of a ninth embodiment ofthe beverage filtering system of the present invention, and FIG. 23 isan exploded view thereof. System 800 includes an outer cup 820, whichmay be molded from a plastic material and have an integrally moldedhandle 822. Inner cup 830 has two O-rings 832, which may bewiper-blade-style O-rings, on the lower portion of its side wall, and afilter 834 below the O-rings 832. Filter 834 is formed from perforations836 of the sizes and relative spacings previously discussed. Tofacilitate the removal of the inner cup 830 from the outer cup 820 whenthe inner cup 830 is in a filtered position, inner cup 830 is providedwith a gripping means 838, which may be a bar extending across theinside of the inner cup 830 near the top thereof as shown in FIGS. 22and 23. Lid 850, which may either screw or snap onto the outer cup 820,may be used to push the inner cup 830 into the outer cup 820 from anunfiltered position to a filtered position.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a beverage filtering system 900 isdepicted in FIGS. 24-25. As with other beverage filtering systemsdiscussed herein, beverage filtering system 900 includes an outer cup904 and an inner cup 908 that can be inserted into outer cup 904. Innercup 908 in this embodiment is a tube, i.e., inner cup 908 is open at thebottom (as can be seen in FIG. 25). A lower end of inner cup 908 has arecessed portion 920 that has a smaller diameter than an upper portionof inner cup 908. Recessed portion 920 includes an outer surface 922that is sized and configured to accept a removable sealing gasket 924,which preferably substantially covers the entire outer surface 922.

Sealing gasket 924 includes a sleeve portion 928 and a pair of sealingmembers 932 (e.g., 932A and 932B) that prevent liquid and othermaterials from entering space 936, i.e., the space between inner cup 908and outer cup 904 formed when inner cup 908 is nested in outer cup 904.Further, with sealing members 932A and 932B spaced apart, e.g., near anupper and lower edge of sealing gasket 924, sealing members 932A and932B also serve to align inner cup 908 within outer cup 904 while innercup 908 is descending into outer cup 904 as well as once inner cup 908is fully inserted into outer cup 904, thereby preventing significantwobbling of inner cup 908 within outer cup 904 and maintainingconcentricity. By preventing significant wobbling or pivoting of innercup 908 within outer cup 904, as could be more prevalent if there wereonly one sealing member, if the sealing members were more closely spacedto one another, or if the sealing members were spaced farther apart, theappropriately spatially separated sealing members 932A and 932 B tend toprevent breaching of the seal that keeps liquid and other materials frompassing into space 936 when inner cup 908 is inserted into outer cup904. Preferably, in the context of a single serving beverage filteringsystem, for example, sealing members 932A and 932B may be separated byfrom about ½ inch to about 2½ inches. (If the sealing members werespaced too far apart, significant wobbling could occur during insertingbefore the upper sealing member enters outer cup 904.)

In an exemplary embodiment, the previously described components ofsealing gasket 924 (i.e., sleeve portion 928 and sealing members 932Aand 932B) are formed as a unitary structure that can be removed fromrecessed portion 920 in one piece (as shown in FIG. 25). In certainembodiments, sealing member 932A can be sized and configured similar toan O-ring and sealing member 932B can be sized and configured as a wiper(O-rings and wipers being described above). In an exemplary embodiment,sealing member 932A is sized and configured so that its resistance tobending is substantially higher than sealing member 932B. In a preferredembodiment, this additional bending resistance may be created by havingsealing member 932A be thicker than sealing member 932B.

Inner cup 908 may preferably flare outwardly at the top to a diameterapproximately equal to or larger than that of outer cup 904 at the top.Recessed portion 920 includes an inner surface that receives a removablefilter 912 that is sized and configured to fit within recessed portion920. An outer surface 923 of filter 912 and inner surface of recessedportion 920 of inner cup 908 may include counterpart threads, forexample, to facilitate convenient attachment and removal of filter 912.

Filter 912 includes a cavity 916 and a filter portion 918. Filterportion 918 may have perforations of the sizes and relative spacingpreviously described. Cavity 916 may be sized to house about a servingsize of ground coffee or other infusing material so that inner cup 908may be inserted completely into outer cup 904 during the brewingprocess. This also allows cavity 916 to be used as a measuring devicefor infusing material to be added to outer cup 904 for brewing/infusing.

In an exemplary embodiment, removable filter 912 includes a retainingmember 940. Retaining member 940 is disposed on a bottom edge 944 ofremovable filter 912 and extends toward the inner surface of outer cup904 when inner cup 908 with attached filter 912 is inserted into outercup 904. Retaining member 940, at a high level, is sized and configuredto maintain the location of sealing gasket 928 on recessed portion 920when inner cup 908 is removed from outer cup 904. In a similar fashion,a lip 921 may be formed at the transition from the upper portion ofinner cup 908 to recessed portion 920, so that lip 921 may serve tomaintain the location of sealing gasket 928 on recessed portion 920 whenthe inner cup 908 is inserted into outer cup 904. In certainembodiments, retaining member 940 may be releasably coupled to removablefilter 912.

Beverage filtering system 900 may also include a lid 950, which may bemade of a hard plastic, an elastomeric material, or other suitablematerial and include a gasket 958 to create a snap-fit and watertightseal with an inner surface of inner cup 908. Lid 950 may also include asipping hole 952 and a vent hole 954, which may be reversibly covered bya built-in stopper 956 to prevent unwanted leaking during transport ofbeverage filtering system 900. Lid 950, inner cup 908, and outer cup 904may be sized and configured such that an outer section 960 of lid 950engages, such as by friction fit, an upper portion of outer cup 904 wheninner cup 908 is fully inserted and lid 950 is sealably attached toinner cup 908.

When a user desires to brew a beverage, the user places gasket 924 ontoouter surface 922 of recessed portion 920 of inner cup 908 and thenattaches filter 912 to the inner surface of recessed portion 920 ofinner cup 908. Infusing material and liquid are put into outer cup 904and then inner cup 908 is inserted into outer cup 904. The bendingresistance of sealing member 932A and sealing member 932B create aninterference fit that results in a seal between the inside surface ofouter cup 904 and the outer surface of inner cup 908. In certainembodiments, due to the pressure created by the seal induced by sealingmembers 932A and 932B, there is potential for a relatively high frictionforce, which may impact the ability of a user to descend inner cup 908into outer cup 904. To alleviate some of the friction induced by sealingmember 932A, sealing member 932B, or both, at least a portion of thesurface of sealing member 932A, sealing member 932B, or both is texturedso as to reduce the frictional force that works against a user as shepresses inner cup 908 into outer cup 904. In an exemplary embodiment,the surface texture is created with a microscopic bead treatment thatchanges the relative surface heights of sealing members 932 and resultsin a matte finish. This reduces the effective contact area between thesurface of sealing members 932 and the inside of outer cup 904,resulting in a reduction of “sticky” behavior due to reducedcoefficients of friction. Advantageously, the application of amicroscopic bead treatment does not significantly impact the primaryfunctions of sealing gasket 924, namely, keeping space 936 free fromliquid and other materials during the descent of inner cup 908 intoouter cup 904 and maintaining the alignment of inner cup 908 withinouter cup 904.

Once inner cup 908 is completely inserted into outer cup 904, lid 950may be placed on beverage filtering system 900 and form a seal withinner cup 908 and engage outer cup 904, thereby creating a sealeddrinking unit. In this way, beverage filtering system 900 can serve,without further modifications, as a drinking container when the brewingprocess is completed.

In summary, the present invention consists of at least two nested cups.An outer cup is used to mix water and brew coffee, teas, herbs, orimpart other flavorings. After a certain brewing or steeping period, theinner cup is placed inside the outer cup. An inner cup has a perforatedbottom and/or side wall and forms a watertight seal against the outercup with an O-ring or other sealing method.

As the inner cup is pushed into the outer cup, the infused beverage isforced through the filter portion of the inner cup and into the body ofthe inner cup, filtering beverage from coffee grounds, tea leaves,fruits, etc. This inner cup continues to be pushed into the outer cupuntil it reaches a fully inserted or filtered position. This fullyinserted position may be in a preferred embodiment located by apredetermined mechanical stop, preferably by the mating of the topportions of both inner and outer cups, leaving room for the flavoringmaterials.

In the fully inserted state, most of the liquid has been transferredfrom the outer cup into the inner cup. The difference between thediameters of the outer and inner cups creates an air space therebetweenwhen the inner cup is in the fully inserted position. The air spaceforms an insulating barrier, allowing the beverage to be insulated fromthe ambient temperature of the surroundings, either keeping the beveragecolder or hotter for a longer period of time. Also, the insulatingeffect allows the user to more comfortably hold the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the hole size of the filter portion of theinner cup is sized to dramatically reduce the transfer of any furthermaterials from the outer cup to the inner cup once the inner cup isfully inserted into the outer cup, allowing the beverage to retain thesame flavor over time by virtue of surface tension, effectively creatinga one-way valve that only operates in the open state when the inner cupis being actively pushed downward. In the case of coffee or tea, thiswould prevent the coffee or tea from becoming bitter over time.

The outer cup may also be fitted with a sleeve that may further insulatethe overall device. The sleeve may be solid or perforated, and may bemade of polymers, textiles, woods, or metal. The sleeve could be made inone or several parts, and would provide customization options forcolors, logos, or other options.

The invention is directed to a set of nesting cups that can filterbeverages as well as become a drinking or serving vessel for thebeverages. As shown in the drawings, the main components of theinvention are an outer cup, an inner cup and, in some cases, a lid.

The outer cup preferably is made of one or two pieces of rigid materiallike steel, glass, or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the innersurface of the outer cup is cylindrical or of a similar shape withvertical sidewalls to provide a continuous sealing surface as the innercup is inserted.

The inner cup preferably is made of one or two pieces of rigid materiallike steel, glass, or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the filter isat the bottom of the inner cup. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cupincorporates a sealing ring that forms a watertight seal against theinner surface of the outer cup.

The inner cup assembly creates a watertight seal against the innersurface of the outer cup. In one embodiment, this seal is created byhaving an elastomeric O-ring captured by the inner cup assembly, similarto many piston/bore configurations. Alternatively, multiple O-rings andO-rings having a variety of cross-sectional shapes may be used. Otheralternatives are to use wiper-blade-like surfaces which maintain a goodseal even with tolerance variations.

The lid may be made of one or two pieces of rigid material like steel,glass, or plastic. In one embodiment, the lid incorporates a sealingring to create a watertight seal against the inside of the inner cup,thereby preventing the lid from leaking, and allowing the beverage toflow only through the sipping hole. The sipping hole may be fitted witha sealing plug to prevent unwanted leaking during transport of the fulldevice. A vent hole may also be provided to allow better flow throughthe sipping or pouring holes and enable less resistance as the inner cupis moved from the unfiltered position to the filtered position.

The lid may also be of an elastomeric material to create a snap-fit andwatertight seal to the inner cup. In one embodiment, the elastomeric lidincludes a sipping hole and vent hole. In another embodiment, thesipping and vent holes include a built-in stopper to prevent unwantedleaking during transport of the full device. The lid may also engage theouter cup when in place and forming a seal with the inner cup.

The outer cup may be composed of two pieces, which allows easiercleaning of the outer cup once the beverage is dispensed.

In operation, water and flavoring solids, such as coffee grounds, areplaced into the outer cup. The mixture can be stirred or agitated asdesired to assist the infusion or brewing process. When the solids havebeen sufficiently infused into the beverage, the inner cup is placedinto the outer cup, and the lid is placed onto the inner cup. The innercup may be placed in the outer cup in an unfiltered position, where thebottom of the inner cup is above the level of the liquid in the outercup. This can allow any agitation of the liquid to enhance the steepingor brewing without spilling. The lid and inner cup are then pressed intothe outer cup, forcing the solution of solids and liquid to be filteredthrough the filter of the inner cup. The finished beverage is therebytransferred to the inner cup, while the solids remain in the outer cup.

The nested cups can be sized so that the combined and fully insertedassembly provides a drinking container, so that no other drinkingutensil is required.

Cleaning is easily accomplished by pouring out the relatively dry flavorsolids from the outer cup and rinsing off the inner cup. Alternatively,in some embodiments, the bottom of the outer cup is removable for easydisposal of the solids and cleaning.

The filter portion of the device may be made from a finely perforatedmetal or, alternatively, an elastomeric medium, such as silicone,perforated with holes to create a very fine valve-type filter systemthat only opens under exerted pressure.

The filter portion of the device may also be comprised of a carbonfilter, filter paper, or other filtration media, that can filter thesmallest elements from the water, including bacteria, viruses and othermicrobes. In this embodiment, the device may be used to filter harmfulmicrobes from water in a convenient device. The filtration media may bedirectly adhered to the filter portion of the device using techniquessuch as overmolding or gluing. Alternatively, it may be designed to beremovable.

The bottom and/or sides of the inner cup may also be fitted with sharpedges or other features that could aid in tearing, compressing, or otheraggressive treatment of herbs or other beverage solids to aid in therelease of their flavorings. Such features would be advantageous forcreating cocktails where herbs or fruits can be crushed in the bottom ofthe outer cup, allowing their oils or juices to be more fully extractedand then filtered into the finished beverage.

Another embodiment includes the use of a rim stopper fitted to the topof the inner cup and just below its rim. The purpose of the rim stopperis to create a tactile stopping point for how far the inner cup is to beinserted into the outer cup. Different beverages may require differentlevels of insertion, and a corresponding ring would give a physical andvisual indication of that stopping point. As an example, tea may requiremore expansion than coffee and so a different rim stopper height may bedesired to ensure optimum extraction. In one embodiment, this would bean elastomeric ring.

Another embodiment includes a “self-cleaning” feature. The bottom cup iscomprised of two pieces. In one embodiment, a lower portion of the outercup is threaded onto the upper portion of the outer cup. When thefiltration is complete and the beverage is consumed or otherwisedispensed, the lower portion is unscrewed from the upper portion. Thelower portion contains the majority of the grounds or other flavorsolids contained in the outer cup. By removing the lower portion of theouter cup, the grounds or flavor solids may be easily discarded into thetrash or compost. The inner cup can then be further pressed into theouter cup to fully evacuate all solids remaining in the outer cup.

This system effectively cleans the outer cup of all waste and can besimply rinsed. The lower portion of the outer container can also beeasily rinsed and reassembled to the upper portion of the outer cup forthe next use.

In another embodiment, the infusing system is a carafe-style device.Once the beverage is infused, the device can be used to dispense thebeverage rather than being used as a travel mug. This allows for alarger quantity of beverage to be infused and served. In anotherembodiment of the beverage infuser device, the infusing system isseparated from the serving device. In this embodiment, the grounds areput into a vessel that is suspended over the cup. After a certainbrewing period, the plunger is inserted into the vessel, and the coffeeis pressed from the vessel into the cup below via a lever or handle.After brewing, the vessel can be removed from the vessel stand andcleaned. This is most easily done by unscrewing the filter portion andpressing the plunger all the way through the rest of the vessel,expelling the grounds into the garbage.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those madeapparent in the preceding description, are efficiently obtained, and,since certain changes may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative, and not in alimiting sense.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified or apparent, anyrelative terms used herein mean within standard manufacturing tolerancesor to a reasonable degree in the context in which they are used. It willbe understood by those skilled in the art that various changes,omissions, and additions may be made to that which is specificallydisclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage filtering system and drinkingcontainer comprising: an outer cup having an inner surface; a tube sizedand configured to be nestable within the outer cup, the tube having anouter surface, an interior surface, an upper portion, and a lowerportion, the lower portion having a smaller diameter relative to theupper portion, an exterior surface, and an inside surface; a lid sizedand configured to form a watertight seal and engage in contact with theinterior surface of the upper portion of the tube and to engage incontact with the outer cup when the tube is nested in the outer cup andthe lid is on the tube, wherein the lid includes a sipping hole and alid sealing gasket configured to engage with the interior surface of theupper portion of the tube; a removable filter portion including an uppersurface with a filter and a bottom edge with a retaining member, theremovable filter portion being sized and configured such that at least amajority of the removable filter portion resides inside the lowerportion of the tube, the removable filter portion being sized andconfigured to be attached to the inside surface of the lower portion,wherein the filter portion includes a cavity sized to contain about aserving of brewing material; and a removable sealing gasket including afirst sealing member, a second sealing member, and a sleeve coupled toand disposed between the first sealing member and the second sealingmember, wherein the first sealing member, the second sealing member, andthe sleeve are integrally formed of a same material and sized andconfigured to cover at least a majority of the exterior surface of thelower portion of the tube, and wherein the first sealing member engagesthe inner surface of the outer cup when the tube is inserted into theouter cup and the second sealing member engages the inner surface of theouter cup when the tube is inserted into the outer cup and issufficiently spatially separated from the first sealing member to assistwith maintaining concentricity of the tube and the outer cup while thetube is within the outer cup.
 2. The beverage filtering system of claim1 wherein the filter includes a plurality of perforations.
 3. Thebeverage filtering system of claim 2 wherein the plurality ofperforations are of a diameter to enable desired flavoring oils from thebrewing material to pass through the filter without particles of thebrewing material passing therethrough.
 4. The beverage filtering systemof claim 1 wherein at least one of the first sealing member and thesecond sealing member include a surface texture.
 5. The beveragefiltering system of claim 4 wherein the surface texture is a microscopicbead treatment that reduces friction between the sealing member and theinner surface of the outer cup when the inner cup is inserted into theouter cup.
 6. The beverage filtering system of claim 1 wherein the uppersurface of the removable filter portion includes a plurality ofdownwardly projecting studs, the downwardly projecting studs being sizedand configured to tear, compress, and otherwise compressively treat asolid material disposed in the outer cup.
 7. The beverage filteringsystem of claim 1 wherein the outer cup includes a removable bottomportion.
 8. The beverage filtering system of claim 1 wherein the tubefurther comprises a gripping means on the upper portion of the tube tofacilitate removal of the tube from the outer cup.
 9. A beveragefiltering system and drinking vessel comprising: an outer cup having aninner surface; a tube sized and configured to be nestable within theouter cup, the tube including: an upper portion; a lower portionincluding an exterior surface and an interior surface, the lower portionhaving a smaller diameter relative to the upper portion such that a lipis formed between the upper portion and the lower portion; a removablefilter portion coupled to the interior surface of the lower portion andincluding a filter, a bottom edge including a retaining member, and acavity sized to contain enough infusing material to brew about a servingof a beverage, wherein the lower portion is configured to accommodatethe cavity when the removable filter portion is coupled to the lowerportion of the tube; and a removable sealing gasket including a firstsealing member, a second sealing member, and a sleeve, the sleeve beingcoupled to and disposed between the first sealing member and the secondsealing member, wherein the first sealing member, the second sealingmember, and the sleeve are a unitary body and are sized and configuredto cover at least a majority of the exterior surface of the lowerportion, wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing memberare sized and configured to engage the inner surface of the outer cupwhen the tube is in the outer cup and are spaced sufficiently apart suchthat the first sealing member and the second sealing member assist withmaintaining concentricity of the tube and the outer cup when the tube isin the outer cup, and wherein the lip serves to maintain a location ofthe sealing gasket on the exterior surface of the lower portion when thetube is inserted into the outer cup and the retaining member serves tomaintain the location of the sealing gasket on the exterior surface ofthe lower portion when the tube is removed from the outer cup; and a lidincluding a sipping hole, the lid being sized and configured to sealablycouple to the tube and to engage in contact with the outer cup when thetube is nested in the outer cup and the lid is coupled to the tube. 10.The beverage filtering system of claim 9 wherein the removable filterhas a filter that includes a plurality of perforations.
 11. The beveragefiltering system of claim 10 wherein the perforations are of a diameterto enable desired flavoring oils from an infusing material to passthrough the filter without permitting particles of the infusing materialto pass therethrough.
 12. The beverage filtering system of claim 11wherein the perforations have a diameter in the range from 0.2 mm to 0.6mm.
 13. The beverage filtering system of claim 11 wherein theperforations have a diameter of approximately 0.4 mm.
 14. The beveragefiltering system of claim 9 wherein at least one of the first sealingmember and the second sealing member include a surface texture.
 15. Thebeverage filtering system of claim 14 wherein the surface texture is amicroscopic bead treatment.
 16. The beverage filtering system of claim 9wherein the outer cup includes a removable bottom portion.
 17. Abeverage filtering system comprising: a cup with an inner surface; atube having an upper portion and a recessed lower portion, wherein thetube is configured to nest within the cup, wherein a lip is formedbetween the upper portion and the recessed lower portion, and whereinthe recessed lower portion includes and interior surface and an exteriorsurface; a filter with a cavity, an outside surface, an upper surfaceincluding a plurality of perforations, and a bottom rim, wherein theoutside surface is configured to engage with the interior surface of therecessed lower portion such that the filter can be removably coupled tothe tube and wherein the bottom rim includes an outwardly projectingedge; and a removable sealing gasket including a first sealing member, asecond sealing member, and a sleeve, the sleeve being coupled to anddisposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing member,wherein the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and thesleeve are a unitary body and are sized and configured to cover at leasta majority of the exterior surface of the recessed lower portion,wherein the first sealing member and the second sealing member are sizedand configured to engage the inner surface of the cup when the tube isnested in the cup and are spaced sufficiently apart such that the firstsealing member and the second sealing member assist with maintainingconcentricity of the tube and the cup when the tube is nested in thecup, and wherein the lip and the edge serve to maintain a location ofthe sealing gasket on the exterior surface of the recessed lower portionwhen the tube is inserted into and removed from the cup and the filteris coupled to the tube.
 18. The beverage filtering system of claim 17wherein the perforations are of a diameter to enable desired flavoringoils from an infusing material to pass through the filter withoutpermitting particles of the infusing material to pass therethrough. 19.The beverage filtering system of claim 18 wherein the perforations havea diameter in the range from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.
 20. The beveragefiltering system of claim 18 wherein the perforations have a diameter ofapproximately 0.4 mm.